Youth Services

The Youth Services Information Exchange (YSIE) brings together youth services librarians from across the WVLS system for in-person and virtual meetups focused on collaboration and shared learning. These gatherings provide space to exchange ideas, ask questions, explore new approaches to service, and strengthen connections across libraries. Each session may include informal training, resource sharing, and discussion of current topics in youth services. WVLS occasionally hosts joint meetups with IFLS system librarians to expand networking and idea-sharing opportunities.at is this and when do we meet?

Upcoming Meetings:

Check-In: Making Summer Easier Strategies
Wednesday, February 25; 2 – 3 p.m.

Join colleagues from IFLS, NWLS, and WVLS member libraries for an informal SLP check-in and discussion for a chance to learn and reflect together. We’ll discuss changes you have already tried to simplify planning, save staff time, and reduce burnout, plus changes you are considering for your 2026 program. You will also have a chance to bring up questions, challenges, and successes you’d like to talk through with your peers.
Register here.

Teen/Tween and All-Ages Programming
Monday, March 9; 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Join colleagues from IFLS, NWLS, and WVLS member libraries for an informal discussion. Topic for the first half is engaging teens and tweens in programs, and the second half we’ll discuss programs that work across age ranges. Bring ideas, examples, what’s worked and what hasn’t, and questions you are still wrestling with.
Register here.

Stay tuned for more information about our May 15 meet up.

Save the date for the annual WVLS Youth Services Workshop on October 16. Details and location will be shared soon.

Making Summer Easier, Part 1: Summer Library Program Check-In and Idea Exchange (WVLS and IFLS)
Summer Library Program season doesn’t have to mean stress and staff burnout. This recording features library peers from across the region sharing practical ways to rethink summer programming to save staff time, reduce anxiety, and still delivers a fun, meaningful experience for patrons.
Sponsored by IFLS and WVLS, this session is worth one contact hour for library director certification.

• Making Summer Easier, Part 1 Recording
• Making Summer Easier Slide Decks:
  • Simplifying to Prevent Burnout
  • MSE Re-evaluating how we track
  • Summer Storytime in the Park dresser-scf-collab (002)
• Making Summer Easier Part 1 Activity Report

Making Summer Easier, Part 2: Collaborative Summer Library Program Resources
Every year, Wisconsin participates in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), which means Wisconsin public libraries have access to resources to develop engaging programs, decorations and book displays, reading challenges, and promotional materials, to name a few. Emily Rogers (WVLS) and Leah Langby (IFLS) walk you through these free resources. This webinar is especially helpful for those who are new to the summer library program or who haven’t used the CSLP resources before.

Sponsored by IFLS and WVLS, this session is worth one contact hour for library director certification.

• Making Summer Easier, Part 2 Recording
• Making Summer Easier Part 2 Activity Report

Tour of TB Scott Free Library

• TMC Family Workstation
• TMC Fairfield Parent+Child Carrel
• Demco TMC Family Workstation

Puppet Workshop by Pam Corcoran

• Puppet Pals for the Library handout
• Peepers Puppets
• Puppeteers of America

Plan Your Next Program with AI by Kristie Hauer

• Slideshow

Science-Based Reading by Mary Newton

• Slideshow
• Lists in Aspen: Decodable Books, Fluency Picture Books, Phonological Awareness Books, Phonemic Awareness Books